Do you know? A king must never prostrate for anyone again in his entire life: A royal king is considered a demi-god in Yorubaland and he must never prostrate to greet anyone in his entire life.
In a video which has now gone viral, a conquered first class Yoruba Oba, Timi of Ede, was made to kneel for the Fulani Emir of Ilorin.
A viral video has shown the Osun monarch, bowing, kneeling and revering his Kwara counterpart.
Yorubas and culture promoters have been debating the development while some expressed displeasure at the decision of Oba Lawal to have stopped in exchanging pleasantries with his fellow traditional ruler.
Many described Lawal’s act as a desecration of Yoruba royal dignity.
Reacting to the viral video, a Nigerian writer and columnist who hails from Osun State, Tunde Odesola, lambasted the monarch in a strongly-worded statement.
He lamented the apparent erosion of cultural pride and the symbolic subjugation of Yoruba traditional authority to Northern aristocracy.
According to him, “The great Timi Agbale of Ede, Alayeluwa Adesola Munirudeen Lawal, the Laminisa I, kneeling to greet an emir. Kabiyesi ooooo, ki didinrin pe lori, ki irinkunrin pe lese, ki ijekuje pe lenu.
“Long may the king live in stupidity. Long may the beaded crown reign in shame. The Timi’s arrow of fire has turned into a straw for sipping ogogoro. O ma se o. As Baba Wande Abimbola would say, “Nkan se wa.”
“Why is Osun blessed with the most terrible kings? I miss the late Timi of Ede, Oba Tijani Oladokun Ajagbe Oyewusi, the Agbonran II (1976-2008) That was a king.”
The incident has reignited debates about the status of Yoruba monarchs and their interactions with counterparts from other regions.
Some critics argue that Oba Lawal’s action undermines the rich cultural heritage of Edeland and, by extension, the Yoruba race.
A House of Representatives aspirant, Fayemi Olatunbosun, opined that the monarch chose to “rewrite history.”
Olatunbosun who contested in the general elections to represent the people of Boripe/Boluwaduro State Constituency in the House of Assembly in Osun State, remarked, “Seem the Timi of Ede, choose to re-write the Story…. May Alalë of Yoruba race heal our land…”
However, supporters of the Timi suggest the gesture was a mark of respect rather than submission, urging the public to avoid misinterpreting the cultural exchange.
But is not entirely the fault of the king, yorubas are conquered by the Fulani…,……..
Dear Readers, Good and credible news reportage is tedious task and requires huge finances.
We are soliciting your Noble support for as low as N1,000 your support would go a long way in assisting us to continue to guarantee our readers quality news.
Bank transfers can be made to:
Account Name: Harvest and Commercial
Bank: Sterling Bank
Account Number: 0078627735